Humility
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| She'll be dry soon - Pine View |
There is a ton of humility that comes with this program and the supporters remind me of it all the time. This year has been different, but in it's own way. The past two years have been a challenge. Between physical limitations and schedules, all things "Porpoise" seemed uncertain at best. Coming into this season there was a lot of trepidation. The total number of riders coming into the Huntsman program was really down. It wasn't only a few years ago we fielded roughly 110 riders with donations approaching $250K. This year, the directory shows 39 active participants. Donations are down as well - which is always a true indicator of the economy as a whole. Road riding has been on a skid for the past 10 years it seems, with what appears to be a minor resurgence in interest - but still low. It used to be you could find an organized club ride or century most every weekend from about the middle of May through the middle of August. Now days, they are few and far between - at best. More mountain bike events with even more gravel programs. I guess people are just wanting to get off the road - and I see why. Going into a couple weeks ago, it appeared things were going to be lean. One or two supporters pulled in, but things were looking.....desperate. Leave it to the crew chief - my better half. Over the course of a few days the minimums were met, taking a ton of pressure off. Still, with that relief comes a certain amount of humility that comes with a knowledge of how important a solid support organization is for such an endeavor. As the time draws closer, the stress gets more intense. Having this support is truly a blessing!
The Supporters
Hawk
This guy is the greatest! I've come to know him in the professional and trade field and am impressed with his grit and tenacity. A great tradesman in his own right, he has the ability to stare down the most daunting of situations with coolness and resolve. If you look up grit in the phonebook, you'll find his number right there. C.M. - you are a stud and I am grateful for our working relationship and friendship.
JB (Anonymous)
Anonymous? right. There are no secrets from the Porpoise. This guy deals with pressure like a steam boiler - but never cracks. Dealing with a family and profession, he is on his own way to greatness - one disappointing crisis at a time. Legitimately one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, his is also wicked smart and getting more so by the day. Great things ahead for Mr. Anonymous and I hope to aid in that delivery. Thanks for being patient....
Jeff (the longest driver)
Here's a guy that could write a book on being stellar. Almost a deliberate poker face, he is a reliable friend and ally. A ginger with a focus more like it - he knows what is important and an expert in keeping things in order. Above all else, a family man that knows the value of such things and an example to us that need someone for looking up to. Everyone needs a friend like this guy.
The Sisters of Cool (they wrote the book)
Ah, the sisters. I've said it before, my sisters wrote the book on being cool. In fact, it wasn't "Pet Sounds" that inspired "Sgt Peppers", it was my sisters - no doubt. The Beatles eventually broke up because they couldn't match the "cool" of my sisters. Honestly, I had no idea what cool really looked like until I was old enough to see what it wasn't. By then, they were out in the world setting new standards and writing the rules. These two in particular gave to me what have always been my most memorable Christmas gifts - that I have mentioned several times before (specific albums). We've been through a few things of our own together over the years, but before that they were the earliest supporters of The Porpoise. With that in mind, I had better not let them down.
The Amazon Driver (on his motor scooter)
He's not really an Amazon driver, but his motor cycle gear sure makes him look like it. C.W. is the best hearted kid of the crew. Sure, he has his limits, but he also is a rock solid supporter - of everyone and everything. He's figuring it out at his own pace and has big plans. He always takes to time to pet the dog and cats on his way in or out of the house. He enjoys the familiarity of home, but is also a devoted friend to those with whom he associates. Thanks for rolling up....
Mr. & Mrs. Quiet (and the growing crew of dudes)
This little crew is growing. Don't let the quiet fool you, there is a lot happening there - just ask "Julio". It's always a good day when they come to visit. Generally everyone is pretty tired when its over as well. A busy schedule, with a lot of ground to cover, they are going places and setting standards as they go along. It's always good to know they are in your corner. They make a difference.
Number 2 & Company
"The Company" has been part of this event for several years. They have done support during the race, as well as contributing to "The Porpoise" along the way. "Number 2" has been doing this since the second year and has seen a lot of race day stuff. Everything from ice on the mustache going into Preston, to fires going into Jackson. The kids just think its something every crazy old person does to prove a point - and then there are the normal people. They know what it takes from start to finish year after year. Great supporters and on their way to "Wally World" race weekend - but still driving the old man forward.
C&B - the dynamo family
If there is a "Number 2" then there has to be a "Number 1". It's been quite a few years, but they were in the race as well. They know the sacrifice needed, the suffering and the uncertainty of what can unfold during the race. Life does what it does and now they have a crew of there own - with all the things that go along with that sort of program. I'd love to see them on course during the race again. Until then, it is great to have their support all the same. I do hope to see you on a course - any course again soon......
Race day (and every day) Support Crew
And finally - the home crew, or "POD" as it were. It cannot be overstated the sacrifices that are made year after year to pull this together. The travelling circus that is "race day support". It starts early and ends late. Always wondering if the old man is going to make it in again. After the past two years, they have seen many different sides of the operation. Last year at Afton supporting the race event itself was fun - but different. They've seen what disappointment looks like as well as the success. I couldn't ask for a better crew and for that matter a better crew chief. Letting them down is pretty hard. This year is a time for redemption and promise. Thanks you guys....
A couple more posts pre-race day
A busy week with a tight schedule over all. Nerves are winding up and things are set. Expect a couple more posts this week detailing packet pickup, start times, course details and equipment updates. Of course there will be the annual mass post Saturday morning before we shove off - early. Our group toes the line at 06:26 with what appears to be a large and fast operation - again.
Please check in during this upcoming week...
Ride HARD!
